Pressures for .357/44 B&D?

Romeo 33 Delta · Jun 6, 2011

I was wondering just what kind of pressure levels one should expect with this cartridge. I don't have any specific loads in mind at this point, but would like to get some kind of range as well as what single shot rifles would make acceptable firearms for it. I have a H&R Handi-rifle in this caliber now but was thinking of something else ... new vesion 1885, Ruger 1 or 3, maybe one of my old M-1910 7mm R/B.

Any of you guys got a thought on this one?

ArchAngelCD · Jun 6, 2011

Without knowing the bullet weight along with the powder and powder weight it's impossible to even guess what pressures that B&D will develop.

RidgwayCO · Jun 6, 2011

Well, the default maximum average pressure (map) QuickLOAD uses for this cartridge is 39,987 psi (and no, I don't know why it's such an odd number). Personally, knowing that the SAAMI map for the .357 Magnum is 35,000 psi, and the map for the .44 Magnum is 36,000 psi, I'd use something less than 36,000 psi.

More to the point, how are you going to know what pressure your loads are producing? Do you have access to a pressure barrel and the associated test equipment?

Romeo 33 Delta · Jun 6, 2011

As to pressures ... I was only curious as to the general, normal and expected ranges for this cartridge. You've been a big help in that I now have an approximation of what I can expect with "moderate loads" (between starting and maximum).

That said ... I have a bunch of 158gr lead which I would consider using. I had used 22.0gr of IMR 4227 with a 125gr JFP in the H&R.

Now the other part of the question ... what might a M-1910 Remington RB have as SAFE operating pressure?

Thanks

ArchAngelCD · Jun 7, 2011

Now the other part of the question ... what might a M-1910 Remington RB have as SAFE operating pressure?

Call or write Remington for that information. They are usually very helpful.

Romeo 33 Delta · Jun 7, 2011

Thanks ... good point!

44vaquero · Jun 7, 2011

Romeo, you have plenty of room for load development. Do you have a Hornady loading manual? They have a few different loads listed for the B&D.
"That said ... I have a bunch of 158gr lead which I would consider using. I had used 22.0gr of IMR 4227 with a 125gr JFP in the H&R."
The 125 gr load you listed is not even close to warm according to my Hornady manual. I have loaded 158gr lead using the starting load for 160 jacketed and worked my way up from there. You have lots of room for load development.
P.S. My B&D rifle is a home converted H&R shotgun built by my grandfather 20 years ago. I always wanted to build a Ruger single shot or even rebarrel a Win 94 for the B&D but never got around to it!

Romeo 33 Delta · Jun 7, 2011

Thanks for that ... I know the 22.0gr was a light load (I think it's just a step above starting).

I have a Smokless RB action and was just thinking ... if the B&D wasn't going to be too close to over the top ... it might make an interesting candidate for another B&D.

44vaquero · Jun 7, 2011

Romeo, a smokeless RB action sounds like a winner to me. Considering that smokeless rb actions have been chambered for 7mm Mauser, you should be ok.
The B&D is an untapped cartridge in a short rifle configuration(16 to 20 inch), I have found it's performance to be outstanding!

Pressures for .357/44 B&D?

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